Anniston Sets the Standard Again: Over 10,000 Attend the Historic 2025 Heritage Festival in a Powerful Celebration of Culture, Community, and Creativity

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Anniston Sets the Standard Again: Over 15,000 Attend the Historic 2025 Heritage Festival in a Powerful Celebration of Culture, Community, and Creativity

Star Power & Soul: The Show-Stopping Performances That Rocked the 2025 Anniston Heritage Festival

The energy at Zinn Park on Saturday, June 21, 2025, was nothing short of electric as the 2025 Anniston Heritage Festival welcomed some of the biggest and brightest names in Southern Soul and R&B. With an estimated 15,000+ attendees, this year’s mainstage lineup delivered back-to-back powerhouse performances that had the crowd dancing, singing, and celebrating from start to finish.

🎶 HEADLINERS WHO SHUT IT DOWN

H‑Town

The legendary R&B group H‑Town closed the night with a nostalgic and soulful performance that brought generations together. Performing classics like “Knockin’ Da Boots”, they reminded the audience why their music remains timeless. The sea of fans waving hands and singing every word created a moment that felt both intimate and epic.

Sir Charles Jones

Known as the “King of Southern Soul,” Sir Charles took the crowd on an emotional and rhythmic journey. From slow ballads to uptempo jams, his set had the park swaying in unison. His powerful voice and seasoned stage presence were met with roaring applause and standing ovations from the crowd.

West Love

A star in the genre, West Love commanded the stage with confidence, charisma, and vocal mastery. Her set was raw and real—bringing both grit and grace—and she quickly became a fan favorite for those seeing her live for the first time. People rushed the front of the stage to catch her performance up close.

Kami Cole

Bringing rich vocals and a deep connection to Southern Soul roots, Kami Cole delivered a performance full of passion and power. Her authenticity resonated with the crowd, many of whom could be seen singing along, dancing, and lifting their hands in celebration.

🔥 THE SURPRISE STANDOUT: 

Dealové

While the lineup was packed with icons and veterans, one name that sparked serious buzz after the festival was Dealové. Dubbed a “vocal powerhouse”, Dealové stepped onto the stage with undeniable presence and left with an army of new fans. Her rich voice, emotional delivery, and command of the stage drew immediate attention.

From her opening note to her final bow, the crowd erupted with energy—cheering, clapping, and recording every moment. Her ability to connect emotionally while delivering flawless vocals set her apart. People who had never heard of her before the festival left talking about her.

“Who is that? She  gonna be huge,” one audience member was overheard saying. Others took to social media mid-performance, tagging friends and sharing clips of what they were witnessing live.

POB Jay Marshall Brings the Soul and the Streets to the 2025 Anniston Heritage Festival

When POB Jay Marshall hit the stage at the 2025 Anniston Heritage Festival, the crowd knew they were in for something special. Known for his gritty storytelling, powerful presence, and deep connection to the streets that raised him, Jay Marshall delivered a performance that was raw, real, and unforgettable.

Backed by the dynamic Pooh & Phaze 2 Band and joined by the soulful powerhouse Mz. Aretta, Jay Marshall’s set was a blend of Southern soul, blues, and hard-earned truth. The performance felt more like a conversation with the community than just a concert. His lyrics cut through the noise and spoke directly to the heart of the audience—many of whom knew exactly what he was talking about.

🔥 Real Lyrics, Real Life

Whether it was songs about struggle, resilience, or the come-up, POB Jay Marshall’s set resonated deeply with those in the crowd who’ve lived similar experiences. His ability to mix lyrical honesty with head-nodding rhythms had the crowd both vibing and reflecting. People could be seen closing their eyes, nodding in rhythm, or throwing their hands up in support of the stories being told.

“Jay Marshall don’t just perform—he testifies,” said one festivalgoer. “He reminds us that where you come from doesn’t define where you’re going.”

🗣️ A CROWD UNITED IN CELEBRATION

This year’s crowd was engaged like never before. People of all ages came together to celebrate culture, music, and community in a setting free from violence and full of joy. With each artist bringing their own flavor and magic to the stage, the audience responded with enthusiasm—creating an atmosphere of pure Southern soul and harmony.

Whether it was families under tents, dancers by the front stage, or groups waving fans and flags, the energy was unmatched. From the first act to the final note, Anniston showed up and showed out.

The 2025 Anniston Heritage Festival proved once again that music is more than entertainment—it’s healing, it’s heritage, and it’s home. These performances didn’t just make noise… they made history.

The Model City has done it again! The 2025 Anniston Heritage Festival was a resounding success, bringing together over 15,000 attendees in a powerful demonstration of community pride, peace, and cultural celebration.

Hosted by DJ Chazz, in partnership with the City of Anniston. the festival saw overwhelming support from local businesses and sponsors across the region. From live performances and food vendors to vibrant family activities and cultural showcases, this year’s festival solidified its place as one of the largest Heritage Festivals in Alabama history.

DJ Chazz: The Vision Behind the Vibe

After taking the torch from festival founder Ruby Evans, DJ Chazz has spent years nurturing the legacy of this event. Despite the challenges of booking talent during Juneteenth weekend—a popular time for festivals across the country—he remains committed to elevating the experience year after year.

“It’s not always easy,” said DJ Chazz. “But we start planning the very next day after the festival ends. We’re in constant contact with managers and production teams to bring the best talent here. It’s all about giving people a platform and bringing the community together in peace.”

This year, attendees set up tents as early as the day before, and festival traffic stretched blocks around the venue. Children played, music roared, and food vendors served up hometown favorites. The economic impact for Anniston is massive, with millions of dollars generated over the weekend, proving that the Heritage Festival is not just a celebration—it’s a catalyst for local growth.

All Eyes on Anniston

This celebration arrives at a transformative time for Anniston. With recent headlines highlighting Katt Williams’ plans to open a production studio at the former Fort McClellan base, the city is becoming a rising hub for entertainment and culture.

Landon Brooks, actor and director raised in Anniston and known for his work in Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots, The Resident, and Bad Boys for Life, shared his thoughts:

“I saw all of this coming years ago. I wrote a vision piece in the Anniston Star about what this city could become. We have talent, vision, and now, momentum. The world is watching Anniston.”

A Weekend of Celebrations Across the Region

The 2025 Heritage Festival was just one of several major cultural events in the area. The 2025 “I Am Not My Hair” Hair Show, presented by The Loc Kingdom, kicked off the festivities with headliner Victoria Hilton, Isis Brantley Erykah Badu’s personal hair stylist. The show included performances by African dancers, Jennifer Whyte, and appearances from stars like CHASIN CHECKS and the Sunsplash Dancers, sponsored by Alex Beauty Supply and MAWH Productions.

Following that, the 2025 Sundress & Cigar Party lit up Fort McClellan with another surge of visitors and energy—one of two of the biggest events that the city hosts every year.

With DJ Chazz, KOKO with the Krush Talk Show, Jason Shorter, and a growing creative coalition steering the ship, Anniston is proving what a united, passionate community can do.

Behind the Scenes: MAWH Productions

Led by director Landon Brooks of MAWH Productions, the entire weekend was captured on film and coordinated with precision. Landon, an actor and director he highlights the talent and heart of Calhoun County.

“I’ve always seen this coming. We have visionaries here. The city is strategically positioned to be something truly great,” said Brooks.

Anniston is not just on the map—it’s leading the movement. From hair shows and heritage festivals to talent showcases and economic growth, all eyes are now on this once-quiet Southern city as it becomes a beacon for what’s possible when a community unites in love, creativity, and vision.

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